GB2489190A

GB2489190A - Combined case and stand for a portable computer

Info

Publication number: GB2489190A
Application number: GB1009761.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John George Andrews
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-06-11
Filing date: 2010-06-11
Publication date: 2012-09-26
Anticipated expiration: 2030-06-11
Also published as: GB201009761D0; GB2489190B

Abstract

A case and stand for a tablet computer 46 comprises a rotatable mounting member 36 upon which a tablet computer can be secured, e.g. via clips, a supporting structure 32 for the mounting member, and enclosing members 10,12,40 which are arranged such that: in a closed condition, the enclosing members enclose the supporting structure, the mounting member, and a tablet computer mounted on it, and in an open condition, the supporting structure can support the mounting member and a tablet computer mounted on it in a raised position above a supporting surface. The mounting member 36 can be rotated with respect to the supporting structure 32 about an axis that is generally normal to a tablet computer mounted on it thereby enabling a tablet computer to be used in a landscape or in a portrait orientation without removing it from the stand.

Description

Case and stand for a portable computer This invention relates to a case and stand for a portable computer. In particular, it relates to a case and stand for use with a tablet computer that can be used in alternative orientations, such as in a "portrait" or "landscape" mode.

Tablet computers, which allow a user to interact with a touch screen as an alternative to a keyboard and pointing device, are become increasingly widely used. When sitting by a desk, a user may find it convenient to place the tablet computer on the desktop. During use in this way, the display faces vertically upwards, which means that the user will tend to lean forward to see the contents of the display clearly. This means that the user will tend to adopt a posture that is widely recognised as being poor, and potentially harmful if maintained for an extended period. This is also inconvenient when the tablet computer is to be used to watch videos.

It is known to provide a stand for a tablet computer that allows it to be supported in a semi-upright position on a flat surface. It is also known to incorporate such a stand into a protective carrying case for the computer. In the latter case, the computer may be secured to a platform that is part of the case) and which can be moved between a flat, storage position, and a raised operating position.

An advantageous feature of many tablet computers is that they include an accelerometer that can detect the orientation in which the computer is being used, and adjust the display accordingly. This allows a user to select the orientation that best allows the information in the display to fir within the physical limitations of the display.

For example, an upright "portrait" orientation may be preferred for word processing, while a transverse "landscape" orientation may be preferred for watching a video.

However, conventional combined cases and stands do not allow this choice to be made -they typically force the computer to be used in the landscape orientation only.

An aim of this invention is to provide a combined case and stand for a tablet computer that allows more versatile operation of the computer than is possible with conventional cases.

To this end, this invention provides a case and stand for a tablet computer comprising a mounting member upon which a tablet computer can be secured, a supporting structure for the mounting member, and enclosing members whereby: in a closed condition, the enclosing members enclose the supporting structure, the mounting member, and a tablet computer mounted on it, and in an open condition, the supporting structure can support the mounting member and a tablet computer mounted on it in a raised position above a supporting surface, in which the mounting member can be rotated with respect to the supporting structure about an axis that is generally normal to a tablet computer mounted on it.

That the mounting member can be rotated allows a computer held upon it to be rotated with respect to the stand without being removed from it.

A case and stand embodying the invention may further includes a detent that provides resistance to rotation of the mounting member at one or more rotational positions, typically at rotational positions spaced apart by 9Q0 This allows a computer to be retained at an upright portrait or a horizontal landscape position, while allowing it to adopt intermediate positions if required.

Typically, the mounting member includes a plurality of clips that can retain a tablet computer in place upon it. Most conveniently, the clips are configured such that a tablet computer can be mounted on the mounting member by sliding it between the clips. In addition, the mounting member may include resistance means that resists sliding movement of a tablet computer on the mounting member. The resistance means most preferably prevents a tablet computer from sliding from the mounting member under its own weight, but allows a user to slide it manually. The mounting member preferably further includes a stop that limits sliding movement of a tablet computer with respect to the mounting member.

Most advantageously, a tablet computer can be mounted upon or removed from the mounting member without requiring the case and stand to be placed in its open condition. This allows a user to use the case and stand as a carrying case, avoiding the need to find a space to open it in order to insert or remove the tablet computer.

In the open condition, the supporting structure can preferably support the mounting member and a tablet computer mounted on it at a range of angles above a supporting surface.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a case and stand for a portable computer being an embodiment of the invention in a closed condition; Figure 2 shows the case of Figure 1 ready to be opened; Figure 3 shows the case of Figure 1 being opened; Figure 4 shows the case of Figure 1 fully open, containing a tablet computer; Figure 5 shows the case of Figure 1 with a supporting structure for the tablet computer starting to be lifted for use; Figures 6, 7 and 8 show subsequent stages in deployment of the supporting structure of the case of Figure 1 for use of the computer; Figure 9 is a front view of the case of Figure 1 in a deployed condition with no computer

tablet attached;

Figure 10 is an exploded view of the supporting structure for a tablet computer in the case of Figure 1; Figures 11 and 12 show a tablet computer being inserted into the supporting structure; Figure 13 shows how a tablet computer being carried in the supporting structure being rotated to a landscape orientation; and Figure 14 shows how a tablet computer can be inserted or removed from the case of Figure 1 without fully opening the case.

With reference to the drawings, a case for a portable computer comprises a top cover 10 and a bottom cover 12, each being rectangular and of similar size. An intermediate panel 14 interconnects the top and bottom covers 10, 12. The intermediate panel 14 is connected along the greater part of a respective edge of each of the top and bottom covers 10, 12 such that it can pivot with respect to each of the top and bottom covers 10, 12, thereby allowing the top and bottom covers 10, 12 to pivot about the intermediate panel 14 with respect to each other. A respective tape 20, 22 of a zip fastener extends around the periphery of each of the top and bottom covers 10, 12 between opposite ends of the intermediate panel 14. The bottom cover 12 has two transverse fold lines 28, 30 that effectively divide the bottom cover 12 into three sections that can flex with respect to one another. One of these three sections of the bottom cover 12 that is remote from the intermediate panel 14 constitutes an attachment portion 40.

The top cover 10 can be folded to overlie the bottom cover 12, and sliders 24, 26 of the zip fastener can then be drawn to meet one another, thereby securing the covers 10, 12 S in their folded position, as shown in Figure 1. In this condition, the covers 10, 12, the intermediate panel 14 and the zip fastener form a complete enclosure within which a computer can be securely stowed. The covers 10, 12 and the intermediate panel 14 have a construction that is sufficiently stiff and strong to provide protection of the computer contained within the enclosure. For example, they may be formed from stiff board covered with layers of flexible plastic material, with the connection between the covers 10, 12 and the intermediate panel 14 being formed by lines of stitching or welding between the layers of covering material.

The enclosure can be opened by placing it on a supporting surface with the bottom cover 12 lowermost. The sliders 24, 26 of the zip fastener are then drawn around the enclosure such that each slider 24, 26 is adjacent to a respective end of the intermediate panel 14. The top cover 10 can then be pivoted about the intermediate panel 14 in the direction of arrow A in Figures 2 and 3. The top cover 10 is pivoted by approximately 180° to lie on the supporting surface to the position shown in Figure 4.

A supporting panel 32 is located within the enclosure. In the configuration shown in Figure 3, the supporting panel 32 lies upon the bottom cover 12. The supporting panel 32 is of a size that is just smaller than the area of the bottom cover 12 that is within the tape 20 of the zip fastener. The supporting panel 32 is secured to the attachment portion 40 of the bottom cover 12, which allows it to pivot with respect to the remainder of the bottom cover 12. A strip 38 of hook-and-loop fastener is carried on the supporting panel 32 remote from its attachment to the bottom cover 12. A flat, annular supporting platform 34 is formed on the supporting panel 32. The supporting platform 34 has a plurality of indentations 50 spaced 90° apart around the supporting platform.

A mounting member 36 is secured to the supporting platform 34 by a fastener (not shown) such that it can rotate about an axis D-D that is coincident with the centre of the supporting platform 34. The mounting member 36 is formed of resilient plastic material. It has a flat supporting region that is parallel to the supporting platform 34.

Centrally, the flat supporting region carries a pad 42 of relatively soft plastic material to act as a resistance means to resist sliding movement of a tablet computer on the mounting member 36. Two clips 44 extend from opposite edges of the mounting member 36. The clips 44 are spaced apart by a distance such that they will allow a tablet computer 46 to slide between them, the computer 46 being retained by the clips 44. The pad 42 and/or the grip of the clips 44 resist sliding movement of the computer 46 to the extent that it cannot fall out under its own weight, while allowing it to slide in and out under manual force. Stops 48 are provided to limit the sliding movement of the computer 46. A resilient peg (not shown) projects from the mounting member 36 towards the supporting platform. The resilient peg can enter into one or other of the indentations 50 and thereby serve as a detent that resists rotation of the mounting member.

The clips 44 and the detent for the supporting platform 34 are arranged such that the sliding movement of the computer 46 within the clips is parallel to either long or short edges of the supporting panel 32 when rotary movement is resisted by the detent.

Once the case is opened, it can be deployed for use in supporting a computer 46 by lifting the supporting panel 32 where it is connected to the bottom cover 12, as shown in Figure 6 and placing the strip 38 of hook-and-loop fastener the top cover 10, as shown in Figure 7. (The material of the top cover lOis selected to have such properties that allows the hook-and-loop fastener to mate with it directly.) This lifting movement is accommodated by flexing of the bottom cover 12 about its two fold lines 28, 30. The angle at which the computer 46 is supported is determined by the position of the strip 38 of hook-and-loop faster on the top cover 10, and this angle can be changed by moving the position of the strip 38 of hook-and-loop faster in the direction of arrow B in Figure 8. Alternative configurations are contemplated where the hook-and-loop fastener is replaced with another locating means for the bottom cover 12.

With the case deployed as described above, a computer 46 can slide into and out of the clips 44 in the direction of arrow C in Figures 11 and 12. Once in place, the computer can be rotated between a portrait orientation, shown in Figures 7, 8, 11 and 12, and a landscape configuration, shown in Figure 13 simply by twisting it, to overcome the resistance of the detent.

The computer 46 must be rotated to the portrait position before the case is closed.

Provided that this is done with the stops 48 adjacent to the intermediate panel 14, the computer 46 can slide in and out of the case with a small opening of the zip fastener, as shown in Figure 14.

Claims

Claims 1. A case and stand for a tablet computer comprising a mounting member upon which a tablet computer can be secured, a supporting structure for the mounting member, and enclosing members whereby: in a closed condition, the enclosing members enclose the supporting structure, the mounting member, and a tablet computer mounted on it, and in an open condition, the supporting structure can support the mounting member and a tablet computer mounted on it in a raised position above a supporting surface, in which the mounting member can be rotated with respect to the supporting structure about an axis that is generally normal to a tablet computer mounted on it.
2. A case and stand for a tablet computer according to claim 1 which further includes a detent that provides resistance to rotation of the mounting member at one or more rotational positions.
3. A case and stand for a tablet computer according to claim 2 in which the detent provides resistance to rotation of the mounting member at rotational positions spaced apart by 900.
4. A case and stand for a tablet computer according to any preceding claim in which the mounting member includes a plurality of clips that can retain a tablet computer in place upon it.
5. A case and stand for a tablet computer according to claim 4 in which a tablet computer can be mounted on the mounting member by sliding it between the clips.
6. A case and stand for a tablet computer according to claim 5 in which the mounting member includes resistance means that resists sliding movement of a tablet computer on the mounting member.
7. A case and stand for a tablet computer according to claim S in which the resistance means prevents a tablet computer from sliding from the mounting member under its own weight, but allows a user to slide it manually.
8. A case and stand for a tablet computer according to any one of claims 5 to 7 in which the mounting member includes a stop that limits sliding movement of a tablet computer with respect to the mounting member.
9. A case and stand for a tablet computer according to any one of claims 4 to 7 in which a tablet computer can be mounted upon or removed from the mounting member without requiring the case and stand to be placed in its open condition.
10.A case and stand for a tablet computer according to any preceding claim in which, in the open condition, the supporting structure can support the mounting member and a tablet computer mounted on it at a range of angles above a supporting surface.
11.A case and stand for a tablet computer substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.AMENDMENTS TO CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWSClaims 1. A case and stand for a tablet computer comprising a mounting member upon which a tablet computer can be secured, a supporting structure for the mounting member, and enclosing members whereby: in a closed condition, the enclosing members enclose the supporting structure, the mounting member, and a tablet computer mounted on it, and in an open condition, the supporting structure can support the mounting member and a tablet computer mounted on it in a raised position above a supporting surface, in which the mounting member can be o rotated with respect to the supporting structure about an axis that is generally normal to a tablet computer mounted on it, and further comprising a detent that 1 provides resistance to rotation of the mounting member at one or more rotational positions.2. A case and stand for a tablet computer according to claim 1 in which the detent provides resistance to rotation of the mounting member at rotational positions spaced apart by 90°.3. A case and stand for a tablet computer according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the mounting member includes a plurality of clips that can retain a tablet computer in place upon it.4. A case and stand for a tablet computer according to claim 3 in which a tablet computer can be mounted on the mounting member by sliding it between the clips.5. A case and stand for a tablet computer according to claim 4 in which the mounting member includes resistance means that resists sliding movement of a tablet computer on the mounting member.6. A case and stand for a tablet computer according to claim 5 in which the resistance means prevents a tablet computer from sliding from the mounting member under its own weight, but allows a user to slide it manually.7. A case and stand for a tablet computer according to any one of claims 4 to 6 in which the mounting member includes a stop that limits sliding movement of a tablet computer with respect to the mounting member.8. A case and stand for a tablet computer according to any one of claims 4 to 7 in which a tablet computer can be mounted upon or removed from the mounting member without requiring the case and stand to be placed in its open condition. Co0 9. A case and stand for a tablet computer according to any preceding claim in which, in the open condition, the supporting structure can support the mounting 1 15 member and a tablet computer mounted on it at a range of angles above a supporting surface.10.A case and stand for a tablet computer substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.